At the Lismore Show, Kyogle High School student Emily Newton, 14, said she has always wanted to work on a stud farm. She loves cows and loves being around them.“I can talk to them,” she said. “They are like your buddies -when I do a show, I have a buddy with me. “I won second prize for Show Cow at Kyogle Show with my cow Pickles.“I was nervous before I had to go into competition and she took my mind off being nervous. “She makes me happy.“I like to treat them well and want to give them a good life before they go to the meatworks.”Emily is one of the students participating in the cattle show at the North Coast National Lismore Show this year. Read more about the Lismore Show:Chicken judging is not for amateurs at the Lismore ShowPersonal best: Dock Dog JT jumps 19 feet at the Lismore ShowDo alpacas spit at the Lismore Show?Emily Newton and Kathy Doman with the school cows getting ready for the competition judging at the North Coast National.Along with Kyogle High School Agriculture teacher Kathy Doman and other students from Years 8 and 9, they are grooming their Angus Cross Stud cows getting ready to participate in the competition judging on the first day of the Show.For more Lismore Show information, visit: Lismore ShowKathy said the students were about to be judged on their skills parading the cows in the paraders competition.“They also participate in the Hook and Hoof competition where the cows are judged as they stand, and also once the carcass is taken to the abattoir – it’s judged again,” Kathy said.“The cows are judges on an even coverage of fat and muscle, their coat softness, and the amount of fat near the tail. “Angus Cross Studs are known for their meat marbling content – they have more fat than Brahman cows, which have a leaner meat.”Kathy said three years ago, Kyogle High won champion cow in the schools cow competition and the carcass competition at Beef Week. Kyogle High student Charlotte Schneider said she comes from a beef farming family and it’s her passion to work with cattle.“I want to make a career out of mustering cattle out west and I’ve already had experience on a station,” Charlotte said.Kathy said learning about agriculture was important for the students interested in working in agriculture so they can get an understanding of the industry.“They learn about animal welfare, as well as marketing and business management,” she said.“Careers in agriculture can be so broad and cater for lots of people. “They can into the sciences, or pasture management, technology and animal nutrition.”The Lismore Show runs for three days from Thursday October 17 until Saturday October 19.Events will be happening each day, including poultry, cattle and equestrian events.There’s also a comedy show for children, the community stage with a big line up of performers each day, the Dock Dogs splashing into a pool, as well as carnival rides, monster trucks and a Lego building competition. Entry is free for school children and adult tickets cost $12.50.The schedule is available online at http://www.northcoastnational.com.au/2019-schedule/

The climate crisis is on the agenda at tomorrow’s Rural Health and Research Congress in Lismore. Lismore City Councillor Elly Bird will be one of the speakers on a panel discussing the climate crisis, along with health professionals from a wide variety of disciplines. The free event, hosted by the University Centre for Rural Health (UCRH), will be held at Lismore Workers Club, and the whole community is invited to attend.UCRH director of research Associate Professor Megan Passey, said the UCRH were invited to convene a session on the health impacts of a changing climate, as a result of the Community Recovery After Flood project. Speakers will share their knowledge and experience on the topic ‘Future proofing rural health in the climate crisis: what are we learning about inequity?’ “Rural communities across New South Wales are already facing many health challenges and exposure to vulnerability,” Ass Prof Passey said.“We want to use this opportunity to have important conversations about how the climate crisis is adding to these challenges and how communities are responding.” Other speakers include Professor Melissa Haswell from Queensland University of Technology, Dr Jo Longman from the University Centre for Rural Health and Jen Haberecht from the Department of Primary Industries. “We hope this session will motivate attendees to start thinking about the communities they work and live in, and how they can adapt and build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate,” Ass Prof Passey said.“Given that many communities are experiencing more frequent and severe weather events such as drought, floods and bushfires, we believe this is a critical conversation to have right now.”professionals, researchers and service providers from across New South Wales. “The congress will be an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience, and build networks across the state. Community members are welcome to attend this session, held from 10.45am – 12.15pm free of charge. Limited places available, so contact Isabella Mee on 0420636 757 to register your interest. 

Pregnant women are being encouraged to sleep on their side to avoid stillbirth in a new Australia-wide education campaign, following evidence showing sleep position can halve the risk of a late-pregnancy stillbirth. The NSW Government provided $100,000 in funding to the Stillbirth Foundation Australia to develop materials on side sleeping, as part of the new Safer Baby program being launched by the federal government today. Senior Clinical Advisor in Obstetrics, Professor Michael Nicholl, said NSW Health is committed to reducing preventable stillbirth rates and supporting clinicians to raise awareness among pregnant women."It is important to acknowledge the loss and suffering of families who have experienced a stillbirth, and to continue our efforts to prevent future stillbirths through improved education and care,” Prof Nicholl said. “Stillbirth after 28 weeks of pregnancy affects about one in every 500 babies. "The evidence shows that women who go to sleep on their side from 28 weeks of pregnancy can halve the risk of stillbirth, compared to going to sleep on their back.” Senior Staff Specialist Neonatologist, Professor Adrienne Gordon said that from 28 weeks of pregnancy, women should go to sleep on their side at night, after waking up throughout the night and when having daytime naps. “The going-to-sleep position is the one held longest during the night so women should not be concerned if they wake up on their back, but should simply roll back onto their side. “Either the left or right side is fine,” Professor Gordon said. “After 28 weeks of pregnancy, lying on your back presses on major blood vessels which can reduce both the blood flow to the woman’s womb and oxygen supply to the baby.” NSW is a key partner with other states and territories and the Stillbirth Centre for Research Excellence in the Safer Baby program. The NSW Government is investing $170 million in additional health services for families as part of the 2019-20 NSW Budget. The new Side Sleep resources, including Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal versions of posters and flyers for clinicians and pregnant women are available to download here.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has declared a total fire ban has been declared for the Far North Coast tomorrow.Fire crews are still fighting to contain fires in the Richmond Valley area and NSW RFS said elevated temperatures and lower humidity will likely cause fire to challenge containment lines in some areas of the Busbys Flat Road."The fire which has a perimeter of 261 km (that's the distance by road from Casino to the Sunshine Coast QLD)," a NSW RFS statement said,"Add this perimeter to the Long Gully Rd. Fire in Drake, which has joined with the western end of Busby's Rd - and it's a greater perimeter still."With such a broad area of landscape to contain and patrol, the risk of fire escape is still high. "As we move through the next few days of elevated fire danger, we need you, the community to be our eyes and ears."If you spot a new fire (or re-ignition that poses a risk) without a fire ruck in attendance please call triple zero '000' immediately."

A green 1940 Ford Pickup was one of the many vintage and classic cars at the Show and Shine fundraiser for Lismore Men and Community Shed last weekend.The Show and Shine brought car and rockabilly music lovers to Tullera Hall to see some rare vehicles and dance to music from rockabilly band the Linelockers.Men’s Shed treasurer Glen Lees said the event raised $750 for Rappville bushfire relief as well as over $1000 to help improve the new men’s shed in Norco Lane.“We made money from car show entry fees, donations and our BBQ,” Glen said. “It’s our first Show and Shine and we hope it will grow even bigger next year.Show and Shine organiser Dave Manby said 80 vehicles entered into the show.“We had a wide range of cars – from 1950s and 60s street machines to classic motorbikes, vintage caravans, minnies, Cadillacs, Chevrolets and Buicks,” Dave said.“I’ve owned classic cars for 30 years and loved seeing the interesting vehicles that came to the show. We even had modern sports cars, Mustangs and hot rods.”Dave said there were six trophies handed out on the day, with some of the winners being a green 1940 Ford Pickup and a Holden one tonne ute.“It was a public vote and three of the trophies were won by women,” he said “There was a rare 1926 Harley Davidson racer at the show. It was so rare that even the Harley Davidson museum doesn’t even have one.“Next year, we hope to have more cars.”Dave said the “best rockabilly band on the east coast of Australia” – the Linelockers played at the Show and Shine.“The Hooked on Swing dancers loved it,” he said.“We had coffee being served from a 1968 vintage caravan that was pulled there by an old Ford ambulance and we had the Bathhurst car racing showing on a TV screen.”“As a car collector, I enjoy the camaraderie of sharing the cars with people with the same passion.“These collectors often drive to different events to show off their vehicles.“Once you’ve driven one of these car, you tend to get bitten by it.”Glen said the Men’s Shed is always looking for new members and anyone can feel welcome come along and help out at the new shed. Men’s Shed volunteers offer services of building kitchens, to putting together flat pack furniture for a small fee.To contact the Men’s Shed, or to get involved, visit the Facebook page Lismore Men & Community Shed, or phone president Bob Grieg on 0404 860 504.

Lucy Kingsley and her husband Scott McKinnon bought a farm at Wyrallah 15 years ago and started planting trees for koalas. “This morning at my dairy, I saw a koala mum and bub in a tree,” Lucy said. “I know there’s at least two mums and two babies around the dairy area now. But the koala numbers are down on what we saw 10 years ago.”“We thought numbers would increase, but we realised we need more people to rehabilitate land and plant koala food trees so we can keep koalas off the road and in the safety of trees.Lucy wants to encourage more land owners to plant koala trees and help create koala corridors in our region to help our slowly disappearing koala populations.This Friday October 18, landowners, farmers and graziers on the Wilsons and Richmond floodplains are invited to attend Lismore Council’s free field day about living with koalas on rural lands.Lucy Kingsley at her property looking at a koala.Lucy said she hopes people will come to the field day at South Gundurimba to learn about different koala habitat sites and discuss the practical and science-based approaches to looking out for koalas, monitoring koala health and reconnecting broken habitat.“With our diminishing forests, landowners need to help create tree corridors for koalas to move in, rather than across open land.“Then the koalas are safe from cars, predation by eagles, dog attacks and being rumbled by cows who think the koalas are dangerous dogs.“It’s also important that farmers understand the importance of keeping big old farm trees for koalas rather than knock them down for cultivation.“When we bought our farm, we knew we had a small koala community on it because the previous owner has planted koala trees many years ago.“Friends of the Koala (FoK) were harvesting leaves for their care centre and we could see that if we didn’t do something about the number of trees available, we’d be in trouble. Read more about FoK: SUNDAY PROFILE: Ros Irwin: Koala conservationist and ex-councillor“So, we started planting more trees.“We gave FoK a paddock and we all helped plant more trees for harvesting there. “We own a long stretch of riverbank that we fenced off through grant funding and we planted 100 trees there. “Now the trees are big - and we have koalas there and we’re putting in more tree rows so the koalas can safely run between trees.”Lucy said there are different challenges for landowners to create a koala tree forest – like fencing off areas of newly planted trees to stop cows getting in and eating them.“We put our wieners in the fenced areas for a day or so to chew the grass down and give the trees a chance to stabilise and grow,” she said.Lucy said koalas are as inquisitive as the busload of tourists who drive down her road every Saturday are looking for koalas. “A lot of the tourists are visitors not from our area,” she said. “We keep metal containers near the road so the koalas can stay hydrated in the heat.“One of the koalas here has a tracing device on it so researchers can work out how far koalas actually travel. After about four months, the device will fall off.“We know we are doing the best we can to save them from extinction.“It would be a pity if our children don’t get to see a koala in the wild.”About the field dayThe field day – Living with Koalas: Enhancing the habitat and health of koalas on the Richmond floodplains – will be held on Friday, 18 October from 9.30am to 2pm – and includes a free lunch. It will be held at a farm in South Gundurimba and Council will provide address details on registration.To attend, RSVP to Lismore Council on 1300 87 83 87. Lunch is provided and please wear sturdy shoes and a hat for walking.The day will focus on seeing koalas in the field and discussing ways that farmers and graziers can undertake habitat re-establishment within productive environments. Participants will travel to a number of different habitat sites and discuss the practical and science-based approaches to looking out for koalas, monitoring koala health and reconnecting broken habitat.Hosts for the day are a local cane-growing family whose Richmond River property is also home to many resident and travelling koalas.Presentations on the day will include:The impacts of wild dogs on livestock and wildlife (Local Land Services).Isolated paddock trees and windbreaks on the floodplain.Koala hotspots on the floodplains – where they are and why.A vet nurse will explain the differences between a healthy, sick and an older koala, and what to do when you see a sick koala.Koala food tree identification and what to plant if you are planning a revegetation program.This free event is delivered in association with Monaltrie Landcare, Friends of the Koala and Local Land Services.The event is part of Lismore City Council’s Rural Landholder Initiative field days to help local landholders and farmers connect, learn and discuss protecting biodiversity.

A top-secret cannabis research facility in regional NSW will be the location for a new pioneering study into medical cannabis.The research study will see Southern Cross University (SCU) researchers analyse the plant’s physiology and biochemistry and determine the ideal conditions for producing high quality, year-round, consistent medicinal cannabis products.The $10 million study is a collaboration between SCU, the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, Cann Group Ltd, Aglive and the University of Newcastle. SCU Southern Cross Plant Science director Associate Professor Bronwyn Barkla, said the study was a critical step in the delivery of therapeutically-consistent and safe medicinal cannabis products.“The research team at Southern Cross University will investigate the compounds the plant produces, in what quantity, and where and how the plant synthesises those compounds,” Ass Prof Barkla said.“This is important for quality assurance, ensuring the industry is able to deliver a consistent and safe product of high efficacy to patients.”Cannabis research history in NSWThe first research production trials of medicinal cannabis began in April 2019. The industry-led study was initiated by Cann Group Ltd, the first company to be issued a Cannabis Research License by the Australian Government. The NSW Government was the first in Australia to receive authorisation from the Commonwealth to cultivate medicinal cannabis for research purposes.To date, the NSW Government has spent $25 million to build the evidence base to understand of the therapeutic potential of cannabis medicines.Cannabis supply chainNSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the study will consider all aspects of the supply chain, including everything from ideal growing conditions to medicinal compound analysis and supply chain traceability.“This collaboration will enable Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to more than triple the number of researchers dedicated to finding the best ways to manage the plants, ensuring they have the highest medicinal benefit,” he said.“It will also ensure our researchers have access to essential industry knowledge and insights, giving us the potential to drive this research much further and faster than would have otherwise been possible.” The Commonwealth Government will co-invest $3 million through its Cooperative Research Centre Program (CRC-P), ‘Growing the medicinal cannabis industry – from precision farming to pharmaceuticals’. CRC programs support industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers and the community.The NSW Government will contribute more than $3 million to the project and the other partners will contribute nearly $4 million.The science of cannabisActive cannabis compounds are produced in small highly efficient bio-factories, known as trichomes or leaf hairs, which predominantly sit on female flowers.SCU Southern Cross Plant Science’s Associate Professor Tobias Kretzschmar and Ass Prof Barkla both have a background in trichome biology, collaborations and translating basic scientific findings into industry applications.“Trichome productivity depends on a range of factors including genetics, developmental stages and the cultivation environment,” Ass Prof Kretzschmar said. “Understanding this complex interplay at the molecular level allows for optimization of active compound production. “This CRC program covers a range of crucial aspects in the development of a robust medicinal cannabis supply chain for Australia, including cultivation and processing, as well as product track-and-trace and compound pharmacology.”SCU deputy vice chancellor of research Professor Mary Spongberg said SCU has been one of the leaders of medicinal plant research in Australia.“We have customised cannabis research infrastructure and more than a decade of experience in cannabis analytical chemistry and cannabis genetics,” Prof Spongberg said.“Globally, medicinal cannabis is a growing multi-billion dollar market and we believe these project outcomes will make Australia internationally competitive in the premium market segment, while nationally this project will lay the foundation to meet long-term client demand of medicinal cannabis products.”

A police car chase to Whian Whian brought concerned Dunoon village locals onto the streets last Friday, concerned about the presence of speeding cars and tactical police in their town.The car chase, in pursuit of a man wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant, resulted in the police seizing the man’s car, but the man escaped being taken by the police.“Richmond District Police are seeking public assistance in locating the driver of the car”, a police statement said.“Matthew Ivan, aged 27, is wanted by virtue of two outstanding arrest warrants.“Officers attached to Richmond Police District have commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.“The man is described as being of Caucasian appearance, approximately 175-180cm tall, with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes.“He is known to frequent the Dunoon, Corndale, Lismore, Ballina and Coffs Harbour areas of Northern NSW.“If you see this man do not approach him and please call triple-zero.”A concerned resident of the Dunoon area said “the insane speeds we had police travelling through our village well after the pursuit was engaged was crazy”.“I want to know what his warrants were for.“If it wasn’t for a dangerous person or an actual emergency, then that’s ridiculous.“The fact the pursuit was not actually through Dunoon, but the police used James Street and Dunoon Road to head him off at speeds I’ve never seen driven past mine.”The resident said there were about 10 paddy wagons and highway patrol cars, as well as police officers in the village.Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Lismore Police Station on (02) 6626 0599, Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.“Information is treated in strict confidence,” the police statement said.

She’s written a song called Hippy Cowgirl, but Wendy Ford says she’s not a cowgirl - but she’s definitely a hippie. “It’s because I stand up for the environment,” she said.The Lismore songwriter has an album of new songs and she’s got her new band ready to release the title track Good Medicine at the Lismore Show on the Community Stage this Thursday at 5.30pm.Read more about the Lismore Show - on this Thursday to Saturday.But first, she’s playing at this year’s NCEIA Dolphin Music Awards tonight (Tuesday, October 15). The annual awards celebrate local songwriting talent and have helped many musicians to gain recognition for their original work. Wendy’s song Clean House from her new album has been named a finalist in the Soul category at the Dolphin Music Awards.“It’s quite an honour to be selected as a finalist - Good Medicine was a pop finalist two years ago at the last Dolphin Awards and Hippy Cowgirl was a finalist in the Protest category,” she said.“Clean House is a duet about a friend’s marriage break up which was agonising for him.”Wendy recorded the new album in Kyogle and finished mastering it this year. Now, she has a Good Medicine video ready to go and intends to release the full album later in the year.“The video for Good Medicine is talking about the rain – we all have engagement in this climate change business and we need to take care of the planet.“My music gives me an opportunity to get the word out that everyday activities influence how our environment is protected or not,” she said.“My song Hippy cowgirl just came to me – I’m not a real cowgirl but I go to the organic market and speak to farmers. “I want to be a voice for some of these people – the green thinking farmers - people who came to the Bentley coal seam gas blockade who are starting to understand how business and the way we live has an impact on the environment.”Wendy said she’s always had the desire to make a change in society.“I was born in the 1960s and it’s in my blood,” she said.“I participated in the Aquarian Festival when I first came to the rainbow region.“It got me out to Nimbin and into the Star Court Theatre and I met Luke Vasella who’s a local icon – at the time, I didn’t know he’d been rockin’ it for years.Wendy said as a songwriter, her heart comes through in songs.“I love songwriting and getting ideas for songs,” she said. “I love to sing - you can’t shut me up.“When I came to this region I became immersed in activism.“I’m a human with concern and I think that compassion is just as necessary as rain.“We need to be looking out for each other - that’s how Lismore people roll with floods and bushfires.“I love the way this community pulls together and it inspires me as a songwriter.“My music gives me an opportunity to get the word out that everyday activities influence how our environment is protected or not.Wendy started singing and playing music in high school before playing her original songs in pubs – around pubs.She’s sang with James Blundell at Tamworth 2018 and in front of 19,000 footy fans at the Wests Tigers Anzac Day win in 2017.Wendy said her new band pays tribute to the song arrangements she created on the album, but it’s not the band line up that recorded the album.“I recorded the album first and then thought I’d better get a band together and now I’ve got a great team,” she said.Her songs address climate and social justice themes with harmony-rich vocals and guitar, keyboard and sax.The band has a revolving line-up based on a core consisting of Ford on lead vocal and rhythm guitar; Electric Bulls keyboardist Gary Pinkerton, Bourbon and Ink drummer Bang Deepaharda, and Hoochers bassist Tony Baron.However at the Show the band will be joined by local musicians Chris Fisher and Marcelle Townsend-Cross from Monkey and the Fish and Lismore App’s Liina Flynn on backing vocals, and The Tides’ Linda Banbury on sax. Fans can stay in the loop on the album release or request links to music by liking @wendyfordband on Facebook. The track Good Medicine is currently streaming on Reverbnation / wendyford and Number One Music / Wendy Ford.Read more about what's on in Lismore: Eat/Drink/Stay

In flood-prone Lismore, it might seem like good news that the Severe Weather Season Outlook prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology shows Australia has a lower risk of widespread flooding.But with an increased chance of heatwaves and bushfires, the Bureau is reminding communities that now is the time to prepare for the months ahead. Parts of the country have already seen bushfires, and the Bureau's head of long-range forecasts, Dr Andrew Watkins, said the current state of Australia's climate drivers meant the likelihood of seeing more bushfire activity than normal was increased."The Bureau outlook shows we're likely to see more warmer and drier than average conditions for the coming months," Dr Watkins said.“This is due largely to a record strong positive Indian Ocean Dipole, that leads to drier air than usual over northwest Australia that supplies much of Australia's rainfall."The increased odds of warmer than average days, coupled with a very dry landscape and a likely late start to the northern wet season, give a clear indication that we're likely to see more heatwaves than normal."It also adds to the potential bushfire risk, particularly when you consider how dry many parts of southern and eastern Australia are at the moment."The Severe Weather Season Outlook also shows Australia has a lower risk of widespread flooding, and a near normal chance of severe thunderstorms, but Dr Watkins said the community needed to be prepared."Severe thunderstorms and significant rainfall events can happen at any time."Not being complacent and taking the time to know your weather and know your risk is one of the best ways to stay safe during the coming severe weather season."The Bureau has also released its Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook, with the odds (65%) favouring fewer cyclones than normal.Despite this, Dr Watkins was quick to point out that the risk from cyclones was always high."We've never had a tropical cyclone season without at least one cyclone crossing the coast. This means that despite a reduced risk this season, all communities in northern Australia must be ready," Dr Watkins said."Even if cyclones stay well out to sea, they can still pose a significant risk to property and lives through strong winds, intense rain and flooding, and storm surges."Dr Watkins said on average, Australia sees roughly 11 cyclones each season, with four of those crossing the coast, but the current state of Australia's climate drivers, particularly the neutral state of the El Nino–Southern Oscillation and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, meant the chances of seeing that amount this year are slightly reduced.He added that cyclone formation was rarely spread evenly, with history showing quiet periods can be followed by bursts of intense activity."Remember, if your community is affected by severe weather, it's crucial you follow the advice of emergency services, and stay up to date with all the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology."Know your weather. Know your risk. Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings via the Bureau of Meteorology website (bom.gov.au), the BOM Weather app or on Twitter.You can view the Bureau's severe weather education page here: http://www.bom.gov.au/knowyourweather/You can view the Bureau's Tropical Cyclone Season Outlook here: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/cyclones/australia/You can view the Bureau's severe weather outlook video here: https://youtu.be/rW6wEjxmZ_M See The Lismore App Weather page: Weather Weather Radar

Do you recognise these two women?Lismore police are investigating an incident that took place at Lismore Square on the 26th September. The two pictured women may be able to assist with inquiries.If you know who these two women are please email 43858@police.nsw.gov,au or call Crimestoppers on 1800333000 Police reference is E74351785

When you go into a Vinnies op shop this week, any money you spend will go towards helping people affected by the bushfires in our region.St Vincent de Paul Society NSW chief executive Jack de Groot said all monetary donations made in northern NSW stores during the bushfire period will go to those locally affected."People wanting to donate money can also donate in any Vinnies Shop across north-east and north-west NSW, or over the phone on 13 18 12,” Mr de Groot said. “While we welcome all donations of good-quality items, giving money is the most effective way to help immediately during the current fires.The Rural Fire Service confirmed that 89 homes have been destroyed across the state since the bushfire season began, with Rappville, Drake, Busbys Flat and Tenterfield being particularly affected. “Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by the fires, especially those who have lost their homes, as well as the families of the couple who tragically lost their lives,” Mr de Groot said.“We’re acutely aware that the same people hardest hit by these fires have already been suffering through the drought for months. “Vinnies has been helping at the fire registration centre at St Mary’s Catholic College in Casino, as well as in the communities of Rappville, Busbys Flat, Drake and Tenterfield.“If you’re having a hard time, I encourage you to reach out to our team or drop into your nearest Vinnies Shop. “In Casino, our members are on-hand to help on 6662 4674 and at the Vinnies Shop on Canterbury Street. “We’re able to provide you with vouchers, link you up with services, and provide a shoulder to lean on. “Recent events been deeply distressing, but I’ve also heard from our people on the ground that it’s been moving to see these communities come together at a time of need. “We commend the rapid response from government and non-government agencies, the Rural Fire Service, and the broader community.”

Lismore Police are investigating a scam where a woman had $10,000 stolen from her account by someone pretending to be from the National Broadband Network (NBN).“Last month a local lady received a phone call from someone pretending to be from 'the NBN'”, a Richmond District Police Facebook statement said.“They claimed the woman had compromised files on her computer, and she had to provide her password details. “The scammer then told the victim to provide her internet banking details, then turn her computer off for a few hours.“The next day the victim turned her computer back on and checked her online banking. “She had just under $10,000 withdrawn by the scammer. “Lismore Police are investigating.“If you receive a phone call from anyone asking for access to your computer - it's a scam. “Never share your passwords, especially for online banking.“Stories like this are all too common on the Northern Rivers. “To help combat internet fraud Richmond Police District hold fraud prevention seminars for social groups. “If you would like me a fraud prevention seminar with your social group, email 35603@police.nsw.gov.au.”

Geoff Hannah, creator of the world-famous Hannah Cabinet, will reveal a new work ‘Jubilee House’ at an exhibition of fine woodwork featuring Geoff Hannah’s works and that of his students at Lismore Regional Gallery. Geoff Hannah and the Hannah Cabinet garnered national attention with an ongoing campaign to keep the million dollar Hannah Cabinet at Lismore Regional Gallery in Geoff’s hometown.Jubilee House will be revealed to the public at the official opening of the Chesta Drawz and the LowBoys exhibition on Friday, October 18, 6pm at Lismore Regional Gallery and then will remain on display until 1 December. Whilst a significantly smaller piece than the Hannah Cabinet, Jubilee House is also an exquisite labour of love that was three years in the making. It is made of Brazilian and Sapele mahogany, ebony and satinwood and includes many stone features including window panes of Brazilian agate, 730 jade roof tiles, 18 ebony columns and a jasper foundation. Works of students who have been studying under Geoff Hannah for years The exhibition also features more than 60 beautiful works by 26 of Geoff Hannah’s students, some of who have been studying under Geoff for more than 19 years. The works include intricate boxes, sideboards, dressers, mirrors, tables and two guitars.The pieces are made of every imaginable wood including Red Cedar, Walnut, Ebony and Brazilian Mahogany. Geoff Hannah and some of his students.Some works are adorned with beautiful marquetry of king parrot, horses, grass trees, plants and street art or simply the elegant lustre, grain and colour of the various woods.  Mike Evans has been studying fine cabinet making under Geoff Hannah for 19 years. His Edwardian Period inspired Corner Display Cabinet is the product of over 2000 hours work over a five-year period. It took hundreds of coats of shellac to get a French polish finish on the grain and the glass front door took almost a year to construct.  “I wanted to make a ‘stand-out’ or heirloom piece and Geoff has helped me do exactly that,” Mike Evans said.“Geoff is a gifted teacher and our Tuesday group are a highly gifted, eclectic unit who are great fun to work with.” Geoff describes his group of students as a family network. “We are together every week and we talk about everything. “Once they’ve finished their work and have that feeling of happiness, it doesn’t get better than that.” The exhibition features the work of Geoff Hannah OAM and his students:Paul Armour (Boori Creek), Sally Bates (Lismore), Rick Billson (Alstonville), Sue Egan (Goonellabah), Brian Emery (Goonengerry), Mike Evans (Marom Creek), Colin Fardon (Lismore), Greg Foster (Goolmangar), David Gilmore (Brisbane), Brian Henry (Goonellabah), Rob Hurford (Ballina), Paul Laird (Coraki), Wendy Laird (Coraki), Carla McGuire (Lismore), Jan Page (Lismore), Barbara Riordan (Tregeagle), Tom Scarrabelotti (Bentley), Gary Shallala-Hudson (Lismore), Darren Shaw (Tintenbar), Ted Slattery (Alstonville), Marek Sojka (Lismore), Lucille Stace (Georgica), Francesco Stassi (Boori Creek), Rick Stewart (Lismore) and Paul Tiernan (Kyogle).Many of the works in the exhibition are for sale. Geoff Hannah and one of his students.Chesta Drawz and the LowBoys: An exhibition of fine woodwork by Geoff Hannah and his students will show from October 19 until December 1.The official opening is Friday 18 October, 6pm.Free daily tours are held at 11am for Chesta Drawz and the LowBoys exhibition and at 11:45am for The Hannah Cabinet at Lismore Regional Gallery, 11 Rural St, LismoreAdmission to Lismore Regional Gallery is a suggested $5 donation.Gallery opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10am to 4pm (Thursdays to 6pm).To find out more about the Hannah cabinet, visit http://www.hannahcabinet.com). Geoff Hannah, Gaela Hurford and Brian Henry with the world famous Hannah Cabinet.Opportunity for local High Schools: Geoff Hannah studio visitMaster craftsman Geoff Hannah & Lismore Regional Gallery are offering four high schools from the Northern Rivers Region the amazing opportunity to visit Geoff Hannah's Lismore based workshop and a free tour of Chesta Drawz and the LowBoys, an exhibition of fine woodwork by Geoff Hannah & his Students.High School visits to Geoff's workshop will be available on Thursday afternoons during the exhibition period from Thurs 24 October - 28 November.This is a first in first served offer – please email Claudie Frock claudie.frock@lismore.nsw.gov.au

The long weekend is over, the school holidays are over and importantly, the heat is over! It is back to normal weekend programming.Firstly, the Lismore Show is only six days away. The gates open for the first time next Thursday at 9am at the Lismore Showgrounds.One of the first questions asked is "when are the dogs being shown"? or "when can I see the cattle"?All these questions are answered through the Lismore Show button by pushing 'schedules'.There you will find the days and times for the cattle, horses, chickens, dogs, goats and loads more. Tickets are still available on line for $12.50 for adults with children under 16 free.Secondly, it is going to be a wet start to the weekend....yes, finally some rain!According to the BOM we should see 25-35 mms on Saturday and just a touch on Sunday. I am sure there will be no complaints especially if this rain gets to some of our farmers as well.As you would expect temps are much cooler with tops of 20 and 22 Weather.So, what's on? Markets dominate proceedings once again. Lismore Farmers Markets are on Saturday morning from 8, the Blue Knob Markets from 8:30 and the Channon Markets make their monthly return on Sunday between 9am and 3pm.After the Channon Markets you can make the short trip to the Dunoon Sports Club for 'Pluckers & Poets' where you can enjoy watching people displaying their talents or join in.The Lismore Presbyterian Church on Keen Street will hold its annual Scottish Fair tomorrow between 8am and 2pm with loads of second hand bargains, bric-a-brac, gardening items and more.While out and about in the north of the 2480 postcode, pop in to the Lismore Men's Shed Show and Shine fundraiser on Sunday at the Tullera Hall from 9:30am to 2pm.There will be vintage cars and motorbikes for you to view as well as some great rockabilly music from the Linelockers. There will be a fundraising BBQ happening as well.Most of us would remember the 80's band, Moving Pictures. They had a huge hit with What About Me from the Days Of Innocence album, a favourite of mine in the car in 1982.I mention this because Alex Smith, the band's lead singer, will be at the Dusty Attic Music Lounge on Saturday night. Alex will be on stage at 8pm playing some new originals and his favourite blues tracks.The weather is not going to be kind to the start of the 2019/2020 cricket season in the Far North Coast Cricket Council Two Day L J Hooker League with Marist Brothers hosting Alstonville at Oakes Oval at 1pm.The expanded and newly named Northern Rivers Cricket League kicks off too with First Grade Premiers Goonellabah Workers hosting newcomers, the Kyogle Turkeys, at Blair Oval; Lismore Workers take on another new team in the Casino RSM Redbacks at Nesbitt Park; Marist Brothers take on on Eastern Suburbs at Mortimer Oval and Northern Districts play Casino RSM Magpies at Heaps Oval. All games start at 12 noon.....hopefully!That's the weekend wrap.....enjoy.

What makes a Scottish Fair Scottish? A lone piper, playing the bagpipes and wearing a kilt.This Saturday, Lismore Presbyterian Church on Keen Street (opposite Lismore Centro) will be holding its annual Scottish Fair from 8am till 2pm – and yes, the piper will be playing – but you need to bring your own kilt.Reverend Glenn Samuel said the annual event is a lot of fun and links back to the Presbyterians historical connections to Scotland.“We’ve had the full pipe band in previous years,” he said.“The Scottish Fair is like our monthly Friday church hall bric-a-brac sale, but bigger – it’s on steroids.“As well as lots of second hand bargains, there’s gardening items and clothing. “The ladies who help us fundraise have also been sewing and crafting and will have those for sale too.Money raised from the Fair goes into the community and mission work of the church.“If you’re homeless and need clothes we’ll fill up a bag and give it to you,” Rev Samuel said. “We also run a youth group and a youth camp, and we finance the kids who can’t afford to go.“All our fundraising efforts helps us to give back to the community.”Lismore Show

Lismore’s Bangalow Road at Clunes will see changed traffic conditions from next week. Motorists are advised that Transport for NSW will be rebuilding and widening the road and shoulder on the east of James Gibson Road. Work will be carried out from Monday, October 14 between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and between 8am and 5pm on Saturdays.It is expected to be completed by June 2020, weather permitting.Work on other sections of Lismore Bangalow Road east of Clunes is expected to continue throughout 2020.Work also continues to improve the road surface east of Bexhill near Eltham Road.Traffic in these areas will be reduced to one lane, alternate flow during work hours, with traffic control and a reduced speed limit in place for the safety of workers and motorists.Motorists are advised to drive to the conditions, and follow the directions of signs and traffic control.Transport for NSW thanks motorists for their patience during this time.For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit http://www.livetraffic.com or call 132 701.Read more: Roadworks Cars For Sale 2012 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hatchback2007 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GX

Laughter as therapy and the future of bio-banking are some of the hot topics to be discussed at next week’s Rural Health and Research Congress.Health professionals from across the state will gather in Lismore for the annual event, now in its eighth year.The Congress has become a peak event on the health calendar attracting leading keynote speakers, academics, clinicians, researchers and health leaders for three days of thought-provoking discussion, insights and networking opportunities.Included in the innovative program are presentations on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, laughter as therapy, the power of conversation, the future of bio-banking and more. This year’s theme, “Connecting Communities” will be explored by a line-up of speakers including local humour therapist Mandy Nolan. The Congress supports continual improvement in health service delivery for rural patients, by providing a forum to present, workshop and network the latest research and trends in rural health and evidence to support best practice.The Congress is organised by the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), with support this year from local host the Northern NSW Local Health District.Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) chief executive, Adjunct Professor, Annette Solman, said in order to maintain and strengthen a world-class rural health system, “we need to further understand the challenges health care professionals face”.“We need to have those conversations about how we can continue to build upon the good work that is occurring to improve health outcomes and celebrate what is working well in rural communities,” she said.“The annual Rural Health and Research Congress provides a unique and crucial opportunity to explore the health requirements of people in rural and remote areas.  “I encourage all health staff and professionals to join us in this discussion.For information about the Congress, visit http://www.nswrhrc.com.auOther speakers at the Congress include:Danielle Dries, Indigenous Allied Health Australia Board Director and GP Registrar with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.Alistair Ferguson: Director and Founder, Maranguka Community HubProfessor Nick Goodwin, Director, Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI)Professor Kathy Eagar, Director, Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI)Associate Professor Murray Killingsworth, Founding Director, NSW Brain Clot Bank, Principal Hospital Scientist, South Western Sydney Pathology Service Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, Orange Sky Luke Escombe, Consumer and Creator About Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) supports the NSW Health system through the delivery of innovative education and training for the NSW Health workforce. Working closely with Local Health Districts (LHDs), Specialty Health Networks (SHNs) and other health organisations, HETI identifies needs, develop and delivers health education and training to build workforce capability and improve health outcomes for patients. 

Lovers of the rock n roll era and vintage vehicles, get ready for the Lismore Men’s Shed Show and Shine fundraiser this Sunday.Tullera Hall will see cars, motorbikes and caravans rolling in from far and wide for a day of showing off and retro fun - with live music from Rockabilly band, the Linelockers.Lismore Men and Community Shed president Bob Grieg said it’s only $5 to enter a vehicle in the show, with proceeds going toward establishing the new Men’s Shed at Norco Lane in Lismore.“The cars will match the rock n roll era,” Bob said. “cars from the 1950s, 1960s and some antiques. “it’s going to be a great day.”Bob said he is a lover of motorbikes and a member of Shadow Riders Australia. “I’ve got a Shadow Rider friend coming down from Brisbane on his Honda Shadow – he might enter it in the show.The Men’s Shed is also putting on a fundraising BBQ on the day.“It’ll be bigger than our Bunnings BBQ,” Bob laughed. “We’ll have burgers, sausages and hotdogs and drinks.“It’s also the same day as the Bathurst races and there will be a TV set up for people to watch the car racing.“Kyogle Motor Vehicle Club is hosting it and it will be fun.”The Lismore Men’s Shed Show and Shine will be held at Tullera Hall on Dunoon Road, on Sunday October 13, from 9.30am until 2.30pm.For information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2383918125208818/